St Andrews: Nature, Glass Art and Local Food

Explore St Andrews through its distinctive experiences: a walking trail along a creek and through historic goldfields, lampwork glass art, and wood-fired breads, pastries and pizza. This mix gives you a range of themes to consider when planning your trip—from outdoor activities and local history to crafts and food.

Walking Trail and Gold-Mining History

The Smiths Gully to St Andrews Nature Trail follows Smiths Gully Creek and passes through the 19th- and 20th-century alluvial goldfields of Old Caledonia Gully. The loop starts at the Peter Franke Reserve car park, is 3 km long and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re interested in both nature and local history, this trail brings the two together in one walk. Its duration can help you plan your outing; check trail conditions beforehand.

Glass Art and Crafts

At bizu studio, Jacqueline and Catherine make lampwork glass beads for jewellery. They also blow small bud vases and perfume bottles from borosilicate glass. The studio offers workshops where participants can learn about lampwork glass art and jewellery making. Dates and availability may change, so check the current workshop options in advance.

The handmade gift selection includes scarves made using the Japanese shibori technique, soy wax candles and cast-glass art, as well as vintage glass and Japanese incense. These add more craft and design themes to the glasswork. Stock may vary, so it’s worth asking if you’re looking for a particular piece.

Wood-Fired Food in St Andrews

A Local Baker offers wood-fired breads and pastries, including chocolate-filled croissants. A Boy Named Sue in St Andrews serves wood-fired pizza. Together, they offer different kinds of food in town: baked goods and pastries at one, pizza at the other. If you’d like to plan a visit to either, check whether the business is currently open before you go.

Regional Context: Nillumbik Shire

You can also look beyond St Andrews to the wider destination of Nillumbik Shire. Nillumbik’s towns lie among bushland and scenic hills, and an extensive network of trails offers opportunities for walking, horse riding and cycling. The Green Wedge Trail runs from Watery Gully Road in Wattle Glen to Clintons Road in Smiths Gully, offering a chance to explore rural parts of Nillumbik.

For a look at the area’s history, the Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites, spanning the period from early settlement to the mid-20th century. Montsalvat is an art centre and artists’ community founded in 1934. Set across a 12-acre site, it includes more than 34 buildings, among them three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts. Its offerings include exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes.

Edendale Community Environment Farm is also part of this regional picture. It covers seven acres beside Diamond Creek in Eltham and provides education about sustainable living and the natural environment. Alongside its landscapes and trails, Nillumbik Shire offers distinct historical, artistic and environmental experiences.

Discover more destinations: Main Ridge, Sedgwick, Maffra, Whitfield, St Arnaud, Mornington, Ballarat, Katunga

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.